VERMILLION, S.D. – The Omaha women's basketball program fell 77-44 on the road to South Dakota Saturday afternoon.
 
The Mavericks (6-11, 1-3) were limited to 21 points in the second half as the Coyotes (15-2, 4-0) remained perfect in the league play.
 
LEADERS FOR OMAHA
Kia Wilson scored a team-best eight points, while Mikaela Ekdahl and Mariah Murdie had seven apiece. Josie Filer and Sophie Johnston grabbed a team-high five boards each.
 
LEADERS FOR SOUTH DAKOTA
Ciara Duffy scored a game-high 16 points while three other players reached double figures in Hannah Sjerven (12), Taylor Frederick (11) and Chloe Lamb (10). Sjerven also had a game-high nine rebounds and three blocks.
 
TEAM STATS
Omaha shot 16-for-47 (34%) from the field, 3-of-15 (20%) from three and 9-of-10 (90%) from the charity stripe. The Mavericks have now shot 90% or better from the free throw line for three-straight games. South Dakota forced 21 Omaha turnovers and shot 29-of-63 (46%), 6-for-22 from three (27.3%) and 13-of-18 (72.2%) from the line. USD also recorded 20 points off turnovers and 38 points in the paint.
 
INSIDE THE FIRST HALF
Omaha and South Dakota traded buckets throughout the first quarter. The Mavericks got things started with an early scoop layup by Murdie, but saw her limited due to a pair of quick fouls. Omaha was able to climb back into the game and cut the USD lead to just two after one quarter. In the second, South Dakota went on a run and jumped out to a 36-23 at the break.
 
INSIDE THE SECOND HALF
South Dakota took full control of the game with a 21-4 third quarter. The lead extended to 30 (57-27) after three quarters of play. A 17-point fourth quarter for Omaha was unable to dwindle the Coyote lead, as USD finished out the game with a 77-44 win.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
Omaha has a week off and returns to action Saturday, Jan. 18, at 3:30 p.m. against Denver in Summit League play. For more information, visit OMavs.com.